Updated Mar 27, 2020

This Amazing Taco Trail In Southern California Takes You To 8 Tasty Restaurants

Explore eight top taco shops on the Southern California Taco Trail for a delicious road trip adventure.

Updated Mar 27, 2020

Written by

Angela

Stays|Hotels & Resorts

Published Oct 11, 2024

I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

The new Ponyboy restaurant in San Diego makes The Pearl hotel a perfect place to chill for a weekend.

Published Oct 11, 2024

Written by

Natasha Kayes

One thing I love about Southern California (yes, I know I’m biased) is how many unique destinations exist right here in the state - that are easy to drive or even take the train to. You don’t have to go very far to enjoy a refreshing break from the norm. I was recently invited to enjoy a little staycation at The Pearl hotel and its brand new restaurant, Ponyboy, in San Diego. I already love this cool coastal city, but this place was an incredibly pleasant surprise and the perfect quick getaway.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this trip by Modern Currency PR, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

Let’s start with The Pearl itself. I can honestly say that if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in San Diego, this small 23-room hotel is a great choice. The retro style takes you back to the 1960s and offers a chic, Palm Springs kind of vibe. We arrived to a warm and friendly reception and were assigned a corner room upstairs.

I had looked at the website, of course, and read reviews, many of which said the rooms were small but very comfortable. Even so, I was surprised - in a good way. The rooms are not huge but are far from cramped. I think Goldilocks would call them just right.

I absolutely loved the balance between simplicity and luxury, vintage and modern, starting with the wood floors (with bedside rugs so your first morning steps are warm), furnishings, and accents - and, by far, one of the best hotel beds I've slept in. I was very impressed by the thoughtful touches, inviting decor, and careful attention to detail. I felt instantly comfortable and relaxed: just how a hotel room should make you feel (in my humble opinion).

Everything felt purposeful - quality toiletries in pretty, eco-friendly glass bottles, steamers instead of irons and ironing boards, cotton robes, hand-made pottery-style drinking tumblers, and a live plant on the desk. Oh, and I don’t know about you, but I never use the drawers in those bedside tables, and often there aren't plugs on both sides of the bed. So, I found it very cool that The Pearl turned them into flip-down docking stations, each with outlets and USB ports - so clever and convenient!

After checking in, with a bit of time before dinner, we set off to walk around the neighborhood. Point Loma is a vibrant waterfront community with boutique hotels, local businesses, independent cafes and restaurants, and more. We ended up strolling along the waterfront where there is a boat-filled marina, fishing shops, and a great local brewery.

alt — Courtesy of Kimberly Motos/PonyBoy

Back at the hotel, we dined at the best new restaurant in San Diego, Ponyboy, named after the young protagonist in the famous book The Outsiders. Ponyboy is a small-but-elegant cocktail bar and poolside restaurant that is far more than it appears.

If there were only one thing I could say to get you to try it, it would be that the Jidori Kiev Chicken will make it hard to stop when you’re full. Golden and crispy on the outside, paired with the creamiest, most delicious Robuchon potatoes, and rich truffle butter (they literally had me at “truffle butter” before I even tasted it). Absolutely game-changing.

I actually started with the Waldorf Salad. It’s not usually my go-to, to be honest, but dining outdoors by the pool on a perfectly warm afternoon, it just sounded good - and it was yummy, not to mention almost too pretty to eat. In fact, the presentation of everything was just stunning.

The fun specialty cocktail menu is full of innovative takes on familiar classics, several of which were very appealing, but in the end, I opted for the Summer Vodka Collins. No regrets whatsoever. I also heard that the Pink Squirrel and Banana Daiquiri were really good.

After a blissful night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast at the poolside bar (included with everyone’s stay.) I would call it a healthy *continental plus* spread with bagels and cream cheese, yogurt, granola, berries, fruit, and a few other goodies, along with fresh coffee, loose-leaf teas, and various juices. I decided to order an oat milk cappuccino (yep, they have espresso drinks, too!) and it was lovely.

After checking out, we left our bags at the front desk and did a bit more exploring before heading home. There is a lot to see in this part of San Diego, which sits on a high peninsula and is home to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Cabrillo National Monument, renowned tide pools, and incredible views of Coronado Island. It is also close to SeaWorld, Old Town, and more.

Ready to plan a perfect little coastal getaway? Check out the Ponyboy website for more information, menus, and more; then make your reservation at The Pearl. Have you had the chance to stay here or dine at Ponyboy? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Food|Restaurants

Published Sep 16, 2024

This Southern California Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

An unassuming family-run restaurant, Alps Village in Palm Desert, CA, serves up traditional European favorites in a cozy atmosphere.

Published Sep 16, 2024

Written by

Natasha Kayes

It’s hard to pass up a highly recommended restaurant, whether that advice comes from a friend, a travel expert, or - as is the case of the humble Alps Village in Palm Desert, CA - a major publication. When I came across USA TODAY’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year list, I was excited to see this Southern California gem make the cut, and I’ll tell you why.

The family-owned and operated Alps Village is an unassuming restaurant in a Coachella Valley strip mall. Once you step through the doors, however, you’ll discover a charming space that will transport you and your taste buds to Germany and Eastern Europe. The warm, inviting ambiance - complete with wooden tables and barrel-style chairs - sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

Opened in 2016, Alps Village is a mother-and-daughter enterprise rooted in a long tradition of cooking in various kitchens in Germany as well as for friends and family. Chef Milka and her daughter, Blanka, now bring their passion for delicious food and warm hospitality to the table for locals and visitors to Palm Desert.

The diverse menu features a blend of authentic European flavors and traditional dishes from Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia. Everything is made in-house using the owners’ very own recipes. Choose from regional specialties like a long list of Schnitzels, Goulash, Spatzle, and homemade sauerkraut. Try the traditional Balkan Cevapcici - house-made beef sausages on fresh lepina bread - or Cabbage Rolls which, if you had an Eastern European grandmother like I did, are pure comfort food. There are also a host of salads and European-style pizzas on the menu. In fact, if you are a fan of Cevapcici, be sure to try the Balkan Pizza.

If it’s your first time visiting, or you simply can’t decide where to start, Alps Village has you covered with delicious sampler plates for up to four people to share so you can taste a variety of dishes. And of course, you’ll want to try the ice-cold beers, fresh-baked pretzels, and yummy desserts - or perhaps a Croatian dessert wine!

It’s pretty easy to see why this delightful eatery was named one of the best places to dine in the country. Have you had the chance to experience the Old World charm and traditional specialties at this Palm Desert restaurant? You can find out more, including hours, menus, etc., on the Alps Village website, or follow Alps Village on Instagram to keep up with news and specials. If you happen to be visiting Palm Desert (which we highly recommend) and need a place to stay, check out this stunning resort-style Airbnb and don’t miss a ride on the world’s largest rotating tram car! And for more food inspiration, be sure to peruse our collection of unique and delicious places to eat and drink in SoCal.

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Stays

Hotels & Resorts

I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

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I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

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This Southern California Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

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All Stories

I Enjoyed a Perfect Coastal Retreat at This Mid-Century Hotel and San Diego’s Newest Restaurant

Explore One of Alaska’s Deepest, Cleanest Lakes Near Two National Parks

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